A LIFEBOAT was launched this afternoon after an unmanned jet ski was spotted still under power about half a mile north of Roker Pier, Sunderland.

Volunteers from Sunderland RNLI were alerted after staff at Sunderland Coastwatch reported the riderless machine heading towards the open sea shortly before 2pm.

As the Atlantic 85 Inshore lifeboat “Wolseley” was launched, Coastguards arrived at Roker beach and found the rider - a 39-year-old man from Brierley Hill, West Midlands - who had managed to swim ashore.

Jon Pollock, Lifeboat Crew at Sunderland RNLI Station said: “The rider explained to the Coastguard that he had fallen from his ski; but the safety kill cord did not operate correctly.

"This caused the ski to continue running heading into the open sea.” After several attempts the lifeboat Helmsman skilfully managed to steer the lifeboat close enough to the moving jet ski to allow a line to be attached and the engine stopped.

The unmanned jet ski was then taken in tow and taken to Sand Point slipway where it was recovered from the water onto the rider’s trailer.

Mr Pollock said: “This incident highlights the importance of a fully operational kill cord being onboard watercraft. In this case it was being correctly worn, but failed to operate due to a stiff mechanism.

"The RNLI recommend that before any watercrafts which are equipped with a kill cord are taken to sea, the operator should deliberately operate the kill cord to confirm it is operating correctly.”

a registered charity the RNLI relies on voluntary donations and legacies from the public for its income